FAQs: Accepted Filmmakers Edition 2014

Coming and Going: What to Do at RIIFF, How to Go about Getting There and How to Enjoy the Experience!

Rhode Island 2014 Media Guide (PDF download / Word Doc)for you to shape your own coverage. NOTE THAT THIS IS AN OLDER LIST COMPILED BY THE STATE AND MANY OF THE CONTACTS MAY NOT WORK. USE IT SIMPLY TO ID THE MEDIA OITLETS. IF YOU ARE AT THE FESTIVAL, CALL THEM OR VERIFY ONLINE. WE FOUND THAT EVEN EMAILS TEND TO CHANGE REGULARLY.

Please make sure that you insure your work with the appropriate carrier. Additionally, for international films, cite that the work is for "Cultural Purposes Only, No Commercial Value." The latter is very important or else you will be charged customs fees. Additionally, please let us know as soon as you can where you'd like us to return your print/video. If you come to the Festival, you will be able to sign for your work and take it with you.

3a. Exhibition Copy Return Shipping Information:

Please be sure that you let us know where your exhibition copy needs to be returned and when.

We usually spend the week after the festival shipping out all copies. That information should be with your exhibition copy and sent to this email: traffic@film-festival.org

IMPORTANT: If we do not hear from you, we will send the copy back to you from the registration address we have on hand.

4. Poster Sizes for Publicity:

Posters can be of any size, no requirements. The largest we take is the marquee poster; the smallest can be postcard size. A variety is encouraged. Posters should be sent to the same address as the exhibition copy of the film. Please send them us at least a week and half before the Festival.

5. Festival Awards for Film and Screenplay Competition:

Film awards are trophies and specific sponsor related prizes, not cash. The winner of Best Short and Best Documentary Short will be submitted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar® consideration. This year, Panavision has come on board as a sponsor and we will be presenting a camera rental package worth $10,000. Screenplay awards (besides the Grand Prize) are software, promotion, publicity, etc. The awards ceremony is Sunday morning the 10th at Metcalf Auditorium, RISD MUseum, and includes a light breakfast with our compliments. The Awards program will take place at 10:00 a.m. and will not conflict with afternoon screenings.

6. General Admission Ticket Prices:

(For the General Public,not you, the accepted filmmaker, all of your personal tickets are free!)

Opening Night Film Screening - $15 film screening / $35 after party / $50 for both events Single Tickets not on opening night:
Adult Tickets-$10
Members/Seniors-$8

IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER REGISTRATION CLOSES DURING THE WEEK, JUST STOP BY OUR VETS OFFICE ON THE 5TH FLOOR AND WE'LL GIVE YOU A TEMPORARY PASS FOR THE EVENING, OR ON OPENING NIGHT AT THE PPAC BOX OFFICE.

7b. Filmmaker Passes & Event Ticketing:

Each Filmmaker receives two (2) Filmmaker PASSES per film, which grants full access to all screenings, forums and after parties. Each pass allows for three (3) comps. to your film screening; for total of six (6). These will be given to you at registration. Note that events like the Film Forum and Scriptbiz are first come, first served.

We also have a community outreach program for non-profit organizations for which we provide either group rates or comp tickets to select screenings at PPAC. Feel free to contact our outreach Associate for more information.

Note that certain films may sell out; so be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before a particular screening. We cannot guarantee seating if you arrive late. Also, you will need to register in advance for the RI Film Forum since ticketing is on a first-come; first-served basis. This event will be free to visiting filmmakers.

Again, and this is important: We cannot guarantee seating if you arrive late.

8. Opening, Closing Nights & Events:

(for Filmmakers only, and that means you if you are on this page!)

• Opening Night Celebration:

IMPORTANT: The Film screening and party are free for accepted filmmakers with passes. Remember, you'll be receiving two passes at registration. Be sure to let us know if you are arriving late and cannot get to registration. We will have your passes available at the Box Office. Do be sure to preregister, otherwise we will not be able to give you badges or passes if you are late on Opening Night. This event is Black tie-optional!

COMPLETED

•PROVIDENCE BACKLOT WALKING TOUR

Takes place on Wednesday, August 6th in the morning at 11:00 a.m.; free for filmmakers, tkts on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up below (coming)

Join us for this wonderful tour of the City of Providence presented by the RI Historical Society under the aegis of the RI Film & Television Office. This year, you may be lucky enough to discover the new shoot underway with legendary filmmaker, Woody Allen.

Discover why Providence is truly a Hollywood backlot, learn about its history, and find out about some of our state's most notable and colorful characters. The goal for the tour is to provide filmmakers with an “insider’s” view of the downcity and riverwalk area with an eye toward what would be interesting/unanticipated places for filming.

COMPLETED

• MAXIMIZING YOUR POTENTIAL MOVIE BUDGET IN RHODE ISLAND

Presented by the RI Film & Television Office

What does it take to make successful films without breaking the bank?
Learn firsthand from Tom DeNucci of Rhode Island-based Woodhaven Productions in a revealing workshop that will open your eyes and inspire. His is a true success story and illustrates that yes, you can make a career in this field and not live in Los Angeles, or any other major film hub. It's a revealing and valuable conversation that you should attend.

The Rhode Island film company recently secured a deal with Screen Media Films and Universal Studios to produce 10 new motion pictures – including the thriller “Almost Mercy,” currently in pre-production – for on-demand video release reaching more than 100 million households.

SOLD OUT

• SPECIAL FILMMAKER EVENT: DIRECTING ACTORS ON SET

Director/Professor Jonathan Pope Evans comes from Chapman University in Orange, California where he works closely with actors, from coaching/directing them in films Sepulte "The Buried" and "Hoover Road"(screening at RIIFF this year) to coaching actors in art of screen acting.

Evans challenges actors to develop the self, to personally connect to the moments in a scene, and to experience a very personal and profound physical awakening within the world of the character.

In this workshop, Evans explores various exercises for developing characters, including substitutions and emotional triggering based in the work of Larry Moss, Ivana Chubbuck and Lee Strasberg.

Whether you are a film actor looking for new tools for your process or a director looking to guide actors to create emotional and personal performances in your films, join Director/Professor Jonathan Pope Evans for an informative journey into the acting process.
The Workshop will take place on Wednesday August 6th and will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Those attending will meet at the Hotel Providence located at 139 Mathewson Street, Providence RI.

This promises to be a memorable afternoon and a dynamic networking opportunity. Afterwards,m you can hang out at the new RI Film Office Filmmaker Lounge at the Hotel Providence's Aspire Restaurant.

Please note that only 12 tickets will be made available and on a first-come, first-served basis only

SOLD OUT

• The Rhode Island Film Forum:

Takes place on Thursday, August 7th

The RI Film Forum is a one-day symposium hosting leading national and local film industry players, conversing about the key issues facing the Rhode Island and New England film community today. This informative and entertaining discussion presents our region's small business owners, filmmakers, community organizations, and film enthusiasts with the latest opportunities for better understanding, and getting involved with, local film production and exhibition.

As a visiting filmmaker, this event is a great way for you to network, discover what is happening in this region, and even think about shooting an upcoming film here.

We strongly encourage your attendance and have been able to underwrite your ticket so there is no charge!

SOLD OUT

Free for filmmakers, but seating is limited. Please register in advance. We wlll be sending you information and an application will be in your registration package

• ScriptBiz™ 2014 Unbound

Takes place on Friday, August 8th

Trying to write your first script? Worrying about how to pitch your script more effectively to potential investors? Moving a completed script into production? Learn from the best at the Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival’s 15th Annual ScriptBiz program!

At ScriptBiz, emerging screenwriters can hone their skills by interacting with and learning from seasoned industry professionals. This year’s program, entitled “From Page to Screen,” takes screenwriters through the entire screenwriting process, with panel discussions on the ins and outs of writing a script and the business aspects of getting a script into production, as well as a special workshop on “pitching your script.”

9. Distributors & Special Guests Attending the Fest:

We do not have a concrete list of which distribution companies are attending this year (they tend to surprise us) but we have strong ties and representatives from IFC,Lion’s Gate, and other companies have attended the festival in recent years. More information on distributors and special guests will become available during the festival as they become available to us. We can confirm that we will have representatives from several major Festivals at RIIFF this year including Tribecca and the Hamptons.

10. Accommodations:

As a nonprofit organization, we cannot provide rental fees, lodging or air travel for our filmmakers to attend. However, we have special discount accommodations with Providence Hotels. We have a limited number of host family accommodations available (which fill up quickly), but will not have dormitory rooms available this year. Please contact our office staff with questions or write us at scanavan@film-festival.org

The Dean has passed the test. The fifty-two-room boutique hotel in downtown Providence clinched press from The New York Times and Wallpaper magazine for turning a former brothel into the epitome of chic. The historic 1912 building began as a rescue mission for the Episcopal Diocese, but in the 1960s turned into a transient hotel and strip club called the Civic View Inn and then later evolved into the Sportsman’s Inn gentlemen’s club. The design was overhauled by Brooklyn-based ASH NYC, whose cofounder and CEO Ari S. Heckman grew up in Providence. Inside and outside, Rhode Island connections abound. Local artisans designed end tables and bed frames (including funky bunk beds!) and contributed art and photography, railings were crafted by the Steel Yard and Recycle-a-Bike refurbished five vintage bicycles, available for guest use. Architects include Christine West and Phil Derby of Kite Architects in Providence, and restaurateur Mike Sears helms the new Magdalenae Room cocktail lounge and the German beer garden Faust’s Hofbrauhaus. Rhode Island-based Bolt is brewing beans at its coffee shop, and there’s even a karaoke bar called Boombox where groups can (ironically) rent rooms by the hour. Add board games created by Hasbro and a library from Symposium Books to the mix and the Dean may be cool enough for New York to notice, but it’s Rhode Island all the way.

PLEASE NOTE: You can either use the link (above) or go to our website – www.providencebiltmore.com, select dates and type in your group code: 30690011973

In order to receive the preferred rate, individual callers should indicate that they are with RI Film Festival 2014. Reservation requests received after the cutoff date will be accepted on a space available and a rate available basis. Guests may call our Reservations Department directly at 401-421-0700.

This landmark city center hotel
is close to everything
In the heart of downtown Providence and is just steps away from the City's most exclusive shopping and dining. Convenient to Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence Place Mall, RISD, Brown University, and financial district. Expect more than coffee: Off the lobby is a spacious Starbucks with fireplace, window seats and a rewarding coffeehouse experience. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood
Restaurant serving 30 varieties of fresh fish and seafood. Relax at the spa: The Biltmore is home to a two-level luxurious spa retreat. Perfect for bridal services or simply as an escape after a day of meetings. Services: massage, body treatments, facials, hair, nail and makeup.

Additional Note: Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. Guest rooms are not available before this time. If you require earlier check-in to accommodate events and schedules, please reserve guest rooms on the prior night. We are unable to take requests for early group check-in.
Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

A SHUTTLE SERVICE is available at the hotel to get to the Festival. It has 6 seats and based on first come first served. It is ONLY for Providence -3 mile radius (no airport service). The coast is $5.00 per person per day.

**** PARTNER HOTEL

HAMPTON INN & SUITES PROVIDENCE-DOWNTOWN

58 Weybosset Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-608-3517

Special Discount Rates Available at $159 per night / Full hot breakfast buffet served from 6am – 10am, 25 hour fitness center & 24 hour business center included in rate.

INTERACTIVE MAP OF HOTELS IN AND NEAR

11. Promoting Your Film at RIIFF & Media Attendee Update PLUS

Advertising in this year's Program Guide

Filmmakers may advertise their film in our program guide and newspaper announcements. This year, our program guide will be online and available through mobile apps. This is a great way to get your film promoted at a reasonable rate. This year, we are offering filmmakers a 50% reduction of the list advertising rates. For the 2014 RIIFF Program Book Advertising Rate Sheet, download here: (PDF download)

IMPORTANT NOTE: The deadline for advertising in this year's online program book is Thursday, JULY 30th by 11:00 p.m.

12. After Parties & Events:

All After Parties start mid-evening, from 10:30 p.m. onward. The final schedule for the week will be available upon registration. Any special events updates will be posted daily at filmmaker registration.

Here is a list of where we are right now in our after party and event programming:

From our great films to the largest Waterfire of the Season to the outdoor concert, Foo Fest to the "Mikado" on stage by Opera Providence, this is a busy day in the capital city. Take in the local flavor and plan your day as you savor our collective creative arts programming.

Join us for a final thank you for making this year's Festival so amazing.

This is a Free Event for Filmmakers,

13. Film Introductions/ Q&A:

All film screenings begin with an introduction by a RIIFF staff member or volunteer, along with mention of Q&A availability with attending filmmakers after the film program. We will do our best to provide adequate time for post Q&A’s, but depending on runtime, projection, and daily schedules; some Q&A’s may be reduced, cut or held outside the screening hall.

14. Horror Festival:

Flickers hosts an annual horror festival in October, this year running the 20-26th. A separate submission and entry fee is required for consideration in the horror festival competition. Please download an application form from our Competitions page.

15. Travel to Rhode Island:

Amtrak also offers ACELA Express Northeast service –
service from Boston-Providence-New Haven-New York-Philadelphia-Baltimore
and Washington D.C. ACELA travels up to 150 mph with
travel time from New York to Providence in 2-1/2 hours
and Providence to Boston in less than 30 minutes.

It may be the smallest state, but it has a lot to offer. And the train is the perfect way to explore the length and breadth of Rhode Island. Travel on the Northeast Regional and save 30% with our "Visit Rhode Island" offer, available through December 19, 2013. (see booking details).

Visit Providence, a hotbed of commerce, culture, history and fine eateries. Hop back on the train and visit beautiful Westerly, Kingston, Wickford Village or downtown Providence, Be sure to bring a camera for your leisurely stroll at these great destinations as you capture their fine architecture and charm.

16. Additional Discounts and Offers:

Once in Providence, or before you arrive, contact our friends at Enterprise for a great Film Festival rate!

Please note that the additional driver fee of $10.00 is waived, and the $25.00 fee for drivers 21-25. We do not have a Sunday drop downtown, but we do have spots at Amtrak if they leave on the train. The branch can review the drop off procedures with the renter if they need that option. The discount is good at all locations in RI and SE MA, and we offer free pickup for anybody staying at a hotel in Providence , Warwick , or beyond.

IMPORTANT

Travelers can receive special discounts for rental cars through Enterprise by calling "1-800-RENT-ACAR" and using discount code 49B4153, PIN Code INT

Zip Car has become a popular option for this looking for time-limited car usage.

For those of you who are members with Zip Car or are interested in using their services, the local branch office is located at

65 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02891.

Their telephone number is 401/405.1533.

Let them know you are with the Fest!

UBER AVAILABLE AT RIIFF!

Are you busy planning your trip to the Rhode Island International Film Festival? Do you need a set of wheels to get you around? Look no further than Uber!

Uber, a service available across the United States and in over forty countries around the world, has formed a special partnership with RIIFF to give all $30 off to all first-time users who sign up during the Festival. Use the special RIIFF sign-up page or enter the promo code FLICKERS to take advantage of this amazing offer!

How does Uber work? Set up an account and download the Uber App. With only the push of a button, you can request a private ride that will pick you up wherever you are and take you wherever you need to go!

COMING IN BY AIR?

Then you should check out details about the amenities at our State Airport.

The Theodore Francis Green Airport is located in Warwick, RI and is not in Providence. Indeed, it is approximately 10 miles away from the core city, or if you are driving, about 18 minutes. It is not a quick walk away.

Check out the ways you can come into the city, either by renting a car (see Enterprise above) use your Zip Car option, take Amtrak, or look for a hotel shuttle.

Make a point of planning out your trip in advance and it will make your visit to the Ocean State that much more enjoyable and hassle free.

Click on the link below to learn more about our Airport:

17. Accessing Rhode Island Press and Media:

We have received many emails and telephone calls about how to maximize the press coverage for your film's exhibition in Rhode Island. We have an up-to-date Excel spread sheet compiled by our staff, which you can access, click here. If you'd like a copy of the Media list, click here. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS IS AN OLDER LIST FROM THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. USE THE PHONE NUMBERS AND MAILING ADDRESSS ONLY.

The RIIFF staff is here to help you any way we can. One of the things we've learned is that it is best to niche out your work to area reviewers and writers. For example: Do not send everything to the film critic when you might be better served by contacting the religious, music, sports, etc. writers. Also, use all of your social media opportunities, i.e., Set up a Facebook Group and promote your screening. Use Twitter and let folks know you are at the festival, etc.

We can definitely help you with this type of targeting. Additionally, we will post as much as we can on our website and distribute releases for you electronically to the media.

FLICKERS: RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONALFILM FESTIVAL

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